Three local breweries and a cocktail bar are joining forces with Proud Watford to hold a beer festival in Watford next month.

Creative Juices Brewing Company (based in Rickmansworth), Pope’s Yard Brewery (North Watford) and Bowtie Brewers (Nascot Wood) plus Hudson Place cocktail bar (Rickmansworth) will all be part of Proudfest ’23 on Saturday, November 11.

The aim of the festival is to showcase locally brewed craft beers and promoted Watford as an inclusive “place without prejudice”.

Proudfest ’23 is taking place from 2pm to 6pm on November 11 in the River Rooms at the Pump House Theatre and tickets can be purchased online at https://www.proudwatford.com/event-details-registration/proud-watford-beer-fest-23

Tickets are £15 each, which includes entry, a free beer plus a specially designed souvenir pint glass, created by local artist Fran Kershaw, who has been painting Watford for 20 years and previously founded Watford Art Market and was director of the Watford Live Festival.

Watford Observer: The Fran Kershaw-designed Proudfest '23 glassThe Fran Kershaw-designed Proudfest '23 glass (Image: Proud Watford)

Creative Juices and Pope’s Yard were among the first supporters of Proud Watford, collaborating to brew a special edition beer called “Ready for Love” a “pale ale without prejudice”.

Ben Janaway, founder of Creative Juices Brewing Company, said: “It’s a pale with attitude, that also has something to say… don’t judge a book, beer, or person by their cover and leave your prejudice at the door.”

This beer and others from the local brewers will be available to taste and buy at Proudfest ’23, along with cocktails provided by Hudson Place.

Originally launched as week-long series of LGBTQIA+ friendly events leading up to Herts Pride 2023, Proud Watford is partnering with event organisers, venues and businesses to create and promote events that celebrate and welcome the local LGBTQIA+ community.